EBBSFLEET head coach Liam Daish has told John Akinde to follow Stuart Fleetwood's lead and set his sights slightly higher than a move to a League One side.

Peterborough United have already tried to lure Akinde to London Road, but Daish is still livid after Posh went public with the news they had tabled a six-figure bid.

Fleetwood set the Conference alight last season with his goal scoring exploits for Forest Green and finally opted for a move to Charlton this summer after attracting interest from numerous Football League clubs.

Daish has told Akinde to follow his example and not leave at the first opportunity, adding Stonebridge Road is still the best place for the young talent to continue his football education.

He said: "John is a Fleet player. I don't really like going public on things but Peterborough have handled it badly and I didn't think the timing was right at the moment to do any sort of deal.

"John is a big player for us and I think he has got more chance of developing here and then moving to his next club, which could be in the Championship or even above."

Daish added: "If you look at Stuart Fleetwood, he worked hard at Forest Green. There were chances for him to go here, there and everywhere last year but he didn't.

"He kept his head down, he has worked hard and is now playing for a Championship side and I think John has got to look at that and not try and want to go too quickly.

"This is his best chance of developing football wise and if he keeps his feet on the ground, works hard at his game and keeps listening, then he could be like Fleetwood and going to the Championship."

Akinde was not involved in yesterday's 6-0 friendly defeat at the hands of the Addicks after sustaining a minor hip problem, but he wasn't the only absentee for the Trophy winners.

Daish was without the services of half a dozen first team regulars, an unwanted situation which forced him into fielding several trialists.

He said: "I wouldn't say it is a lesson because the game has come a bit early for us.

"In an ideal world, we would probably want a few games to get into it before playing against a Championship side.

"We had six players out today, which hasn't helped, but it is the first game done and at least some of the lads got 90 minutes under their belts.

"You can do all your training and fitness work, but you can't beat eleven versus eleven football in a real match situation.

"The lads have got that in the bank now and hopefully I can get a few out of the treatment room."

Daish added: "I had my hands tied a little bit with some players playing who probably wouldn't have played today.

"I had a whole back four out in Ricketts, MacDonald, McCarthy and Smith.

"It was horrendous but you get on with it and there is the 90 minutes played and it is all about fitness at the moment."